Ontario's new lieutenant-governor was critical of oilsands development

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Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell has been named as Ontario's new lieutenant-governor. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)

Elizabeth Dowdeswell says she's happy that Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose her as Ontario's lieutenant-governor even though they may not see eye-to-eye on some issues.

The veteran civil servant and environmentalist, who's also served as undersecretary general of the United Nations, helped write a report that concluded Alberta's oilsands may be a big threat to the environment.

Dowdeswell says Canada is a country like no other and being able to be in the position of vice-regal and celebrate Ontario will come very easily to her.

She says she's not sure what her priorities will be yet, but issues like arts, culture and the environment are close to her heart.

The 69-year-old is from Saskatchewan, but says she spent half of her life in Ontario and considers it her home.

Dowdeswell, who is lieutenant-governor-designate until she is sworn in, replaces Lt.-Gov. David Onley, who held the position for nearly seven years.